How To Answer The Tricky Interview Question, ‘Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?’

It may not seem like a tricky question, but your response to,
"Where do you see yourself in five years?" can make or break your
interview.

"The purpose of asking this common interview question is to
understand whether a candidate is looking for a career rather
than just a job, whether their goals align with the
organization's goals, and whether they have a realistic plan for
their future," explains David Wishon, a senior
director of Monster Talent
Fusion.

Dale Kurow, a New York-based
executive coach, says your response to this question can
also tell the company if you have the requisite work ethic,
attitude, and loyalty to be a good hire in the long term.

Here's what hiring managers do and do not want to hear when they
ask this question:

1. They want to know that you've put thought into your
response.

"Don't get caught without a long-term plan," Wishon says. Show
the interviewer that you have thought about this question and
have a basic trajectory mapped out. But let them see that you're
flexible. "Everyone understands things can change, so strike a
balance between being set on where you want to go and also
understanding that the path may change," he says.

2. They want to know that you're driven — but that you
have realistic goals.

"Don't come off as overly ambitious," Wishon says. "It's okay to
mention some future promotions within the organization, but it
may be overkill to say you want to be CEO in five years if you're
applying to an entry-level job."

3. They want to hear that you are willing to pay your
dues before expecting a promotion.

"The hiring manager doesn't want to hear that you are looking to
move up to a higher-level position within a year or that you want
to become eligible for your boss's job," Kurow explains. Don't
threaten anyone else's career, and let them know you realize it
may take time, and a lot of work, before you'll move up.

"Emphasize your willingness to work on
personal and professional development to progress your career
path within the
organization," Wishon adds.

4. They want to know that you're loyal and willing to
make a commitment to the company for at least five
years.

Companies invest a great deal of time and money in recruiting and
training candidates, and they don't want to lose their investment
in a hire that's going
to leave in a year or two, Kurow says. That's why it's best to
avoid saying you hope to be at another company, in another
industry, or even a drastically different role than the one
you're applying for (even if it's true).

5. They want to hear how the
company and role you're applying for fits into your longer-term
goals.

"Make sure the role you are interviewing for is at the foundation
of the answer you provide," Wishon suggests. "Tell them that how
you can achieve your long-term goals by performing this
role to a high standard."

Also share how you plan to contribute to, and grow with, the
organization over the next few years, Kurow adds.

If you want to make sure your
five-year plan is aligned with theirs, take the lead and ask what
results the interviewer is looking for from this role, Wishon
suggests."This will help to best understand the
progression and potential timeline,"he concludes.

6. They want to
know you're excited about the job.

In showing how the job
fits into your longterm plans, you'll also be letting the hiring
manager know you're enthusiastic about the job and unlikely to
leave it right away, author Alison Green writes for US News &
World Report.

As in any interview
situation, it's important to sound passionate and make clear that
you covet thisjob, as opposed to any
job.